Lighting fixture



Nov. 18 192% F. W. MATHIEU `LIGHTING FIXTURE lFiled Oct. 11. 1923 Patented Nov. 18, 1924.

UNITED s'raras FREDERICK W. MATHIEU, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

LIGHTING FIXTURE.

Application lerl October 11, 1923.

To all to/1,0m t may concern.'

Be it known that I, FREDERICK W. MA- THIEU, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of the borough of Manhattan, city, county, and State of New York, have invented an Improvement in Lighting Fixtures, of whiclg9 the following is a specication.

My present invention relates to light-ing fixtures, particularly, but not exclusively, such fixtures as are intended for use in connection with electric' bulbs, and aims to devise articles of the character specified above which will be simple in construction and easy and economical tofabricate; which will be convenient to assemble;` which will present a very neat and highly attractive appearance in use; which will bring about a proper and pleasing distribution of the light from the source of light; which will utilize the light generated by such source of light in a very economical manner; and which will possess other desirable characteristics subsequently described in considerable detail herein.

In the accompanying specification I shall describe, and in the annexed drawing show, an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. It is, however, to be clearly understood that my invention is not limited to thespecifc embodiment thereof herein shown and described for purposes of illustration only.

Referring to the drawing, wherein I have shown the aforesaid illustrative embodiment of the present invention, the single figure of the drawing shows, in longitudinal section, partly in elevation, the lighting fixture comprising such illustrative embodiment.

Referring now more particularly to the aforesaid illustrative embodiment of the present invention and to the drawing showing the same, 10 indicates generally a lighttransmitting bowl or globe comprising an upper portion 11, a lower portion 12, a bottom portion 13, and a neck portion 14. The upper portion 11 is of substantially cylindrical form, although I prefer that it shall have the rounded upper stepped or shoulder portion' 15 immediately below the neck portion 14.. I prefer, also, that the sides of the upper portion 11 shall be slightly tapered or inclined so that the diameter of the upper portion 11 at its lower end will be slightly Serial N10. 667,786.

greater than such diameter at its upper end.l l

The lower portion 12 is likewise of substantially cylindrical form. I prefer, however, as in the case of the upper portion 11, that the sides of the lower portion 12 shalll be slightly tapered or inclined, so that the diameter of such portion adjacent its lower end will be slightly greater than such diameter adjacent its upper end.

Inorder to provide means intermediate` the upper and lower portions 11 and 12 ofl the globe 10, preferably at the meeting portion or boundary of such portions 11 and 12, for supporting a reflector, I prefer to provide a shoulder or stepped portion 16. For this purpose the upper portion may be of relatively reduced diameter, while the lower portion may be of relatively large diameter. In this way there is formed, as an integral part of the bowl or globe 10, means or supporting a reflector, as by the provision of the shoulder or stepped portion 16.

The bottom portion 13 is preferably upwardly curved, as shown in the drawing. I prefer this form for the bottom portion 13, as also the described forms for the upper and lower portions 11 and 12, for the reason that I, in this way, obtain a proper and very pleasing and economical distribution of the light values generated by the source o-f light. I prefer, also, that .the bottom portion 13 shall be so constructed and arranged as to transmit light of a different color or quality from that transmitted by the other portions of the globe or bowl 10, particularly the upper and lower portions 11 and 12 of the globe or bowl 10, respectively. For this purpose the lower portion 13 may be stained or may be provided with a silk or other disk, preferably on the inner face thereof, to modify the tone or quality of the lightV passing therethrough and make the same different from the tone or quality ofthe lightV passing through the other portions of the globe or bowl 10. The purpose` of this is to prevent the light passing directly through the bottom portion 13 from being too harsh.. This is desirable, since the bottom portion 13 is the only portion of the globe which may be directly viewed in the usual elevated position of the fixture as a whole.

In addition to the shoulder or stepped portion 16 for supporting what may be termed '20 creasing the upper reflector`r lf preferably provide meansat the lower portion oli the bowl or globe 10 lor supporting what may belermed the lower reflector wherer` as is preferred,

two such reflectors arefemployed. l therefore provide an additional shoulder or stepped portion 17 adjacent thevlower end of the bowl, preferably by making the bot-- torn portion 13 of relatively large diameterv Aas compared with the diameter of the lower portion 12 ol the bowl or globe 10 adjacent its lower end. rl'he lglobe or bowl 10 is thus provided with a. plurality olt spaced shout ders or stepped portions, one ot such shoull15 ders'or stepped portions being at an intermediate portion and the other at the lower por ion of the globe or bowl 10. 'lt will also be noted that the plurality ot spaced stepped portions 16 and 17 are of successivelyv indi-ameters, This Yleature is important asfiacilitating the easy and ,convenient assembly of the Various parts ol the fixture as awhole.

Any suitable ornament, such as a tassel 1S may be provided in the bottom portion 1B ofthebowl or globe 10. For this purpose, the'bottom portion 13 should be drilled, as

at 187 to receive the threaded inner end 19 oi' the ornament 18y similarlyv threaded thimble 2O oit suitable diameter being pro vided lor cooperation with the inner threaded end l19 oit 'he ornament '13 to retain and position the ornament- 18 in place in the bottom 13 ofthe bowl or globe 10.

Any suitable ineens may be provided for supporting the bowl or globe 10 and its associated reliector or reflectors. However, l prefer to employ the means shown in the drawing and co iprising a bell-shaped meriberQl which is preterably made oli metal and is provided at its upper `portion with the venteI 22 and the ring member 2, which serves to support the/liXturc as awhole trom `a chain cord or other suitable suspending member. yThe member 2l is provided in the usual manner with a standardL electric socket 9A- 'or-re eivinoj the plug end 25 of an-electric bulb QG. li'reiierably, the filament, which constitutes the center ot illumination ot the Ilighting.fixture as a whole is lo rated approximately on the boundary line betwee i. the upper and lower portions 11 and 12 or" the lbowl or globe 10 respectively This location. vot ,the center ot illuminatiom'here designated by re yrence character'i is ot considerable importance as enabling me rto bring about that distribution ot the light flrornthe fixture which l consider' most pleas 'ing to the eye and most economical.

The lower portion ot the beltsliaped meinberl isprovided with a rlouuiwaidly turned flange or apron E28 which is pro .vided with a plurality ot set screws 29 for cooperation with the inwardly curved or channelled portion 30 ot the neck portion 111` vretlecting inde\ as by being covered i,

of the bowl or globe 10. .ln this manner l air enabled readily to attach the bowl or globe l0 and the reilector or reflectors carried by the same to the supporting member 21. The

set screws shouldbe operated outwardly to admit the neclr portion 1/1- within the apron manner well art to which the and then inwardly, in the known to those skilled in the the present invention relates to brins ,inner ends ot the set screws 29 into bind and sui'iporting relation with respect to the bowl or glol i-\`10 and the part or parts ca ried thereby.

lt may here be stated. that a wire mesh sereein not here deemed necessor;v to be sl owiL is provided back oiE the vents Furthermore., the inner suri'ace ot the me" ber 21 is preferably made highly re'tlecl as by being coated with a white enr-,ro

ie outer surface oct the member 21 is preably ygiven a so iter tone, by being given ivory tone7 as by the use of an ivory `'olored enamel.

Carried by the bowl or globe 1() are one or i'ellectors7 preteialiliy a pluralityv ot reflectors generally designated by roterencc characters 551 and 32. Preferably, the reflectors 31 and Z2, where, as is preterrel :1 plurality ot reflectors are used are c; Y by the shoulders or stepped portions wf which. the bowl or globe 10 is prefcrab provided. ln the ypresent instance the reilocl'or il l is carried by the shoulder or f pcd portion comprising the intermediate stepped portionN while the reflector is carried by the lower shoulder or stepped i ftio'i'i 1T. filo also, while the upper and er portions 11 and 1%respectivelyoilA the i-obc or bowl lll of very light de translucent glass :tor ditusing the ligluY the source ol light. the bottom portion. already stated above, may be ol heavier i ro densityv and may be tinted to diffuse light oi' a softer quality than that diffused lr): the translucent lateral portions ot the member l1 .and

'lhe upper reflector 31 is of an upwardly' flaring "form w'th the lower diameter ffl such size as enable the retlector to ri securely upon the upper shoulder or portion lli ot the bowl or globe upper diameter ot the redcctor 2l fltiiitially renter 'than eitl tlc lower diameter oil' tie 39a 'tor a purpose to be o scrhY detail'hereinafter'. l preter tl i surface oit the reflector Si shall rave a the coating ot white enamel, Un the other hund l preter that 'the outer surface ot reflector ill shall. have a lower retlecti il i defi, as by being coated with an ivory coli v or other enamel harina` conparatively low reflecting index, rThe purpose el this is that theouter surface of the reflector 3L which receives light directly through the lower portion 12 of the bowl or globe l() and also by reflection from the inner surface of the upper portion of the lower reflector 32, shall be softly illuminated to give the fixture the proper esthetic appearance when in use.

ln cross section, the curved sides of the reflector 31 constitute segments of circles, since I have found that this form of surface is most suitable for the desired distribution of light. In other words, the surface of the upper reflector 31 may be defined as a surface of revolution generated by the revolution of a segment of a circle whose outline is a central cross-section of the upper reflector 31.

The lower reflector 32 preferably color prises a multiple or duplex reflector consisting of an upper portion 33 and a lower portion 34. Preferably the lower reflector 32 is provided with an internal flanged poi tion 35 for enabling the lower reflector 32 to be supported on the shoulder or stepped portion 17 of the bowl or globe 10. For this purposel may provide each of the seit/ions 33 and 34 of the lower reflector 32 with an internal flange, these flanges being respectively indicated by reference characters 33 and 34. The flange33 is at the lower edge of the upper section 33 and the flange 34 is at the upper edge of the lower section of the duplex reflector 32.

v The two flanges 33 and 34 may be suitably fastened together. as by welding, soldering, crimping or otherwise forcibly pressing the two flange portions together, to create a unitary composite reflector 32. The upper section 33 is preferably of less depth than the lower section 34. However, the diameter of the upper edge of the section 33 is greater than the diameter of the lower edge of the lower section 34. Both sections 33 and 34 flare, the section 33 upwardly and outwardly, and the section 34 downwardly and outwardly. In cross section, the curved sides of the sections 33 and 34 are segments of circles. That is, the sections 33 and 34 are surfaces of revolution generated by the rotation of circular segments. l find that this type of surface cooperates admirably with the type of surface of the reflector 31 and with the conformation of the bowl or globe 10 to effect the distribution of the light in the desired manner.

In order that I may bring about the proper distribution of light by the use of be lighting fixture 'of the present invention, I prefer that the inner reflecting surface of the upper section 33 shall have a different reflecting index from that ofthe inner reflecting sairface of the lower section 34. Preferably, the inner reflecting surface of the upper section 33 should have ahigher reflecting index than that of the inner reflecting surface of the lower section For example, the inner surface of the upper reflecting section 33 may be coated with a white enamel, while the inner surface of be directly visible to the eye, while at the same time permitting the maximum diffu sion and reflection of light through and from surfaces which are not directly visible to the eye in the ordinary location of the fixture in use. y

lt may here be noted that the diameter of the upper edge of the section 33 is, as already stated above, substantially less than the diameter of the upper edge of the upper reflector 31, but is in its turn greater than the diameter of the lower edge of the lower section 34. i-^iccordingly7 the diameters of the three flaring edges of the combined reflectors 31 and 32 at the points where these diameters are at their maximum successively diminish from the top to the bottom of the fixture.

The manner of assembling the fixture described above will be substantially clear from the foregoing description and may be briefly summarized as follows: fter thc ornament 18 has lbeen attached'to the bottom portion 13 of the globe 10', the lower reflector 32 is brought over the neck. upper and lower portions of the bowl 10, until thi` flange 35 rests upon the shoulder or stepped portions 17 of the globe 10. This inode of application is rendered feasible by reason of the fact that the diameter of the bowl or globe 10 adjacent the neck or shoulder portions 16 is substantially less than the diameter of such globe adjacent the shoulder or stepped portions 17. rlhe upper reflector 31 is now applied over the neck and upper portions of the globe 10 until the lower edge of such reflector rests upon the shoulder or stepped portion 16. The apron or flange portion 28 of the supporting member 21 is now brought over the neel: portion `14 of the globe 10 carrying the reflectors 31 and 32 and the set screws are driven home to enable the supporting member 21. which already contains the lamp or bulb 2G, to carry the globe 10 and the associated reflectors 31 and lt will thus be noted that the assembly of the fixture is a very easy and convenient operation, while at the same time enabling the lamp to be held together with the necessary regard for safety and mechanical rigidity.

The distribution of light from the fixture when in use will. be substantially clear from the 'foregoing' description and may be briefly summ 1Zed as follows: The upward component of light provided by diffusing 'from the sides oli the upper portion ll of the Vglobe l and by reflection from the inner reflecting` surface of the reflector 3l. Mince the portion ll of the globe l0 is of a light density and will diffuse the light with a maximum brilliancy, and since the inner reflecting surface of the reflector 3l has a high reflectingl index, as indicated above, a substantial. component of light will be sent upwardly iii very economical and pleasing` manner, This desired distribution of the light is 'facilitated by the fact that the iter the filament or center of illuminl .in ofthe bulb or equivalent apparatus, indicated by reference character 27, is substantially along` the boundary line .between the upper lower portions ll and 12, respectively,'ofthe bowl or globe l0.

T he outer or ho' i oiital poiient of the light ldistribiited by the fixture is provided solely by reflection, rather than direct diffusion. Thus the outer soft-toned reflecting surface of the upper reflecting member 3l receives lightdirectly by diffusion from the lower portion l2 of the globe l0, and then reflects this light outwardly with the desired softness. So also the bright inner kreflecting` surface of the upper section receiveslig'ht directly by diffusion from the lower portion lf2 of the globe l() and also sends this liglit'to the outer soft-toned refleeting,v surface of the upper reflector 3l, adding to the light distributed outwardly or horizontally by the reflector 3l. Due to the relative dimensions of the upper reflector Sil and the sections 33 and 34 of the lower reflector' 3:2, the outer soft reflecting surfaces of the sections 33 and 34 making up the lower f reilector 89, receive' a moderate quantity of light by reflection from/the outer soft-toned reflecting surface of the outer reflecting surface of the reflector 3l. ln this way the outer surfaces of the'sections 33 and 34 of the reflector 82 are ksoftly illuminated in the desired inanneraiid thus add their contribution to the lquantity of light outwardly or horizontally distributed,

Phe downward component of light distributed by the fixture is provided princi pally directly l; diffusion through the bottom portion of the globe i The desi 1ed quality of vthis light is brought about by thesha'pe of the bottom portion 13 and by modifying its tone or quality in the 'manner indicated above. lowever, Van additional vcomponent of light, adding,` to the qualityof light comingv through the bottom portion 13 and further modifying its quality in the manner desired, is provided by the Veinner --so'ft-toned reflecting surface of the lower section 34 of the lower reflector 3&2, llv/loreorer, the inner highly reflecting surn face of the supporting,` member 2l likewise adds to the quantity of light passing downwardly from the fixture.

rllhe advantages of the '.toregoing` conw struction are numerous and of great practical importance, ano may be briefly sum.- mariaed as follows: Toe fixture is exceedlv simple in construction, lendingitself to thensual processes of manufactd may be very economically manu rThe fixture is very easy to f n-s described above, and, in use, ses many attractive 'featurest While ixiiigi' to the best and ino-st economical i'itag-e all of the light values provioed vne source` oit light, the fixture does not any glaring portions to the eye 'Then it is installedvin the position in vwhich rThe such fxtures are ordin y employed. outer siriaces of the reflectors present a very attractive appearance, due tothe soft oualn of light distributed by them, the v of licht so distributed beine* c o t for vthe outer surfaceof the upper .i and being at a minimum for the upiA edge of the lower reflector, but increasing` more or less continuously until the lmver edge of the lower reflector is re-acl'ied, at which point the light is of greater intensity, far short, howeveigof the intensity of the light along; the upper outer surface of the upperreflector 31.

The quantity and quality of light vdistributed in an upward diiectionare of the proper sort. Similarly, the quantity and duality of light distributed downwardly to the working plane are of just the desirable nature, rllhc lixture is extremely attractive in appearance, and possessesmany other desirable characteristics which will-'be readily apparent to those skilled in the art to which the present invention relates.

l/lilhat ll claim as my invention is:

l. A lighting fixture comprising` a globe provided with an upper substantially cylindrical portion and a lower substantially cylindrical portion, said upper porti-ou being' of relatively reduced, and said lower portion beingv ofrelatively large, diameter, thus pio vidinga stepped portion at the-meeting,y sur faces of said upper and lower portionseaid lower portion being` provided with bottom portion of enlarged diameter providing; a stepped portion at the meeting surfaces of said lower and bottom portions, .said bottoni portion being` arranged to transmit light Aof a different quality from lthat transmitted by said upper and lower portions, in *conn bination with a plurality of reflectors carried by said stepped portions, one of said reflectors comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said reflector being provided with an internal flange at the boundary.

lll)

of said upper and lower portions for supporting said last-mentioned reflector on the stepped portion carrying the same.

2. A lighting fixture comprising a globe provided with an upper substantially cylindrical portion and a lower substantially cylindrical portion, said upper portion being of relatively reduced, and said lower portion being of relatively large, diameter, thus providing a stepped portion at the meeting sul faces of said upper and lower portions, said lower portion being provided with an outwardly curved bottom portion of enlarged diameter providing a stepped portion at the meeting surfaces of said lower and bottoni portions, said bottom portion being arranged to transmit light of a different quality from that transmitted by said upper and lower portions, in combination with a plurality of reflectors carried by said stepped portions, one of said reflectors comprising an upwardly flaring upper portion and a downwardly flaring lower portion, said reflector being provided with an internal flange at the boundary of said upper and lower portions.

8. A lighting fixture comprising a. globe provided with intermediate and lower stepped portions of successively increasing diameters, in combination with a plurality of reflectors carried by said stepped portions, one of said reflectors comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said reflector being provided with an internal flange at the boundary of said upper and lower portions, the inner surfaces of said upper and lower portions having different light-reflecting characteristics.

4f. A lighting fixture comprising a globe provided with intermediate and lower stepped portions, in combination with a plun rality of reflectors carried by said stepped portions, one of said reflectors comprising an upwardly flaring upper portion and a downwardly flaring lower portion, said reflector being provided with an internal flange at the boundary of said upper and lower portions, the inner surface of said upper portion having a higher reflecting index than the inner surface of said lower portion.

5. A lighting fixture comprising a globe provided with an upper substantially cylin drical portion and a lower substantially cy lindrical portion, said upper portion being` of' relatively reduced, and said lower portion being of relatively large, diameter, thus providing a stepped portion at the meeting surfaces of said upper and lower portions,

said lower portion being provided with an outwardly curved bottom portion of .enlarged diameter providing a stepped portion at the meeting surfaces of said lower and bottoni portions, in combination with a. plurality of reflectors carried by said stepped portions, the lowermost of said reflectors comprising an upper portion and a lower portion, said reflector being provided with an internal fiange at the boundary of said upper and lower portions.

6. A lighting fixture comprising a globe provided with an upper substantially cylin drical portion and a lower substantially cylindrical portion, said upper portion being of relatively reduced, and said lower portion being of relatively large, diameter, thus providing a stepped portion at the meeting surfaces of said upper and lower' portions, said lower portion being provided with a bottom portion of enlarged diameter providing a stepped portion at the meeting surfaces of said lower and bottom portions, in combination with a plurality of reflectors carried by said stepped portions, the lowermost of said reflectors comprising an upwardly flaring upper portion and a downwardly flaring lower portion, said reflector being provided with an internal fiange at the boundary'of' said upper and lower portions.

7. A lighting fixture comprising a globe provided with an intermediate stepped portion and a lower stepped portion, an upwardly flaring reflector supported on said intermediate stepped portion, and a second. reflector supported on said lower stepped portion, said second reflector having an upwardly flaring portion extending above and a downwardly flaring portion extending below said lower stepped portion.

In testimony, whereof, I have signed my name to this specification this 10th day of October, 1923.

FREDERlCK W. MATHIEU, 

